✨ Summary

In this episode of The Peak Season Podcast, Tyler Kostich opens up about his inspiring journey from military service and a W2 career in human resources to becoming a full-time entrepreneur in real estate and consulting. He shares how short-term rentals became both a passion and a business, the role of family support in his transitions, and the lessons learned about fulfillment, gratitude, and automation. This is a story of courage, connection, and carving out a life aligned with personal values.

⏱️ Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction to Tyler Kostich
• 05:54 – Transitioning to Real Estate Investing
• 18:11 – Leaving the W2 Job: A Personal Journey
• 22:01 – Future Goals and Aspirations
• 23:47 – Closing Thoughts

📣 Hashtags

#PeakSeasonPodcast #RealEstateInvesting #ShortTermRentals #Entrepreneurship #CareerTransition #PersonalGrowth #Gratitude

In this Thanksgiving special of the Peak Season Podcast, Luke and Tyler dig into one of the most underrated levers in the STR world: holiday bonuses for cleaners. They break down how to decide on bonus amounts, why timing matters, and creative ways to show appreciation beyond cash. The duo highlights how gratitude, recognition, and treating your team like actual humans (wild concept, we know) creates better service, happier guests, and a stronger business all year long.

• A solid baseline bonus for cleaners is the cost of one full clean.
• A little gratitude goes a long way—say it early, say it often.
• Holiday timing makes appreciation feel more meaningful.
• Recognized cleaners tend to deliver better service (shocker).
• Personalized touches strengthen long-term relationships.
• Plan bonuses ahead so you’re not panic-Venmoing on Christmas Eve.
• There are endless creative ways to show appreciation—explore them.
• Generosity and kindness build a culture people want to work in.

• Holiday Bonuses: A Guide to Gratitude
• The Art of Appreciating Your Cleaners

00:00 – Thanksgiving greetings & intro to holiday bonuses
02:30 – Who should receive bonuses in your STR business
03:10 – How to divide bonuses among cleaning teams
03:14 – What holiday bonuses look like for cleaners
05:06 – When and how to hand out bonuses

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing here is business, financial, or legal advice. Always consult your own professionals before making decisions.

In this episode of the Peak Season Podcast, we dive into Luke’s real estate journey — from his early days in long-term rentals to discovering the world of short-term rentals and the markets that shaped him. Luke shares the wins, the mistakes, and the mindset shifts that helped him grow not just as an investor, but as a person.

He opens up about the Smoky Mountains, why Northern Michigan captured his heart, and how understanding markets, taking risks, and learning through experience helped define his investment strategy. Whether you're a first-time buyer or building your STR portfolio, Luke’s story offers relatable insights, practical advice, and the real-life lessons that only come from getting in the game.

short-term rentals, real estate investing, market selection, Smoky Mountains, Northern Michigan, investment advice, property management, growth mindset, entrepreneurship, podcast

• Luke transitioned from long-term rentals to short-term rentals in 2022.
• Understanding market dynamics is crucial for successful investments.
• Emotional connections to properties can enhance the investment journey.
• Knowing your numbers is essential before purchasing a property.
• Procrastination delays opportunities—clarity + action wins.
• Unique properties in less competitive markets often yield better returns.
• Networking and mentorship accelerate long-term success.
• Real estate rewards calculated risks and long-term thinking.
• Time often heals real estate “mistakes” if you stay committed.
• Growth happens when you lean into discomfort.

00:00 — Introduction to the Hosts and Their Journey
01:40 — Luke's Background and Entry into Real Estate
04:05 — Transitioning to Short-Term Rentals
05:40 — Choosing the Right Market for Investment
08:35 — Experiences in the Smoky Mountains
11:26 — Exploring Northern Michigan's Unique Opportunities
13:47 — The Importance of Comfort in Uncertainty
15:11 — New Property Developments in Bel Air
17:56 — Advice for First-Time Short-Term Rental Buyers
22:40 — Expanding Your Short-Term Rental Portfolio

In this episode of The Peak Season Podcast, Luke and Tyler explore the growing world of co-hosting — a smart alternative to traditional property management for Airbnb and Vrbo owners. They break down what co-hosting is, how it works, and why it’s becoming the go-to solution for property owners who want to maximize revenue, save time, and maintain control without the full workload of self-management.

Luke and Tyler also dive into the practical benefits: how co-hosting can improve guest experiences through strategic outsourcing, proactive maintenance, and hands-on communication, all while helping owners maintain high reviews, consistent branding, and long-term investment growth. By the end of the episode, listeners will understand how partnering with the right co-hosting team can transform their properties, streamline operations, and enhance both profits and lifestyle.

co-hosting, short-term rentals, Airbnb, Vrbo, property management, revenue growth, guest experience, outsourcing, investment property, hosting strategy, STR operations, property maintenance

• ✔️ Co-hosting helps property owners save substantial time and money compared to full-service management.
• ⭐ High reviews are essential to long-term co-hosting success.
• 🧳 Outsourcing cleaning, maintenance, and guest services elevates the guest experience.
• 💰 Co-hosting often delivers better financial outcomes than traditional management.
• 🙋 Ideal clients are owners who don’t have the time or passion to self-manage.
• 📈 Co-hosting can increase property revenue by 25–40%.
• 🏖️ Owners get to enjoy their properties more — without the stress of managing them.
• 🧠 Co-hosts bring strategic marketing, pricing, and operational expertise.
• 🔧 Outsourcing maintenance saves time and reduces headaches.
• ⏳ Co-hosting is an investment in both property performance and personal time.

00:00 — Introduction to Co-Hosting
04:18 — Financial Benefits & Revenue Potential
11:42 — Operational Efficiencies & Time Savings
18:20 — Who Makes the Ideal Co-Hosting Client
25:05 — Enhancing Guest Experience Through Outsourcing
31:30 — Long-Term Outlook & Co-Hosting as an Investment Strategy

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this episode should be considered legal, financial, or tax advice. Every investor’s situation is different, and you should always consult with a qualified professional before making decisions related to your short-term rental business.

In this episode of the Peak Season Podcast, Luke and Tyler break down one of the most critical (and underrated) skills in the short-term rental industry: handling difficult guests.

From unexpected complaints to avoidable misunderstandings, they share real-world examples and proven strategies for keeping guest interactions smooth, professional, and empathetic.

Listeners will learn how to deescalate tense moments, communicate clearly, document everything, and implement proactive systems that reduce friction before guests even arrive. Whether you’re an Airbnb host, a property manager, or scaling your rental portfolio, this episode offers actionable insights to improve your guest communication, hospitality standards, and overall STR operations.

short-term rental, Airbnb hosting, guest complaints, STR management, property management, hospitality, guest communication, rental business, guest experience, customer service for hosts, Airbnb problems, handling difficult guests, short-term rental tips, Airbnb hosting strategies

• Difficult guests are a normal part of the STR business.
• Fast, clear communication solves 90% of issues.
• Empathy + professionalism = your superpower.
• Documentation protects you from false claims.
• Small gestures (like a gift card or quick fix) can change the outcome.
• Knowing local quirks helps you set expectations better.
• Proactive systems prevent the most common problems.
• Clear listing details reduce misunderstandings.
• Every tricky guest makes you a better operator.
• Building rapport early reduces negative reviews.

00:00:00 — Introduction & Episode Setup
00:03:12 — The Reality of Guest Complaints
00:08:47 — Handling Difficult Situations Calmly
00:14:55 — Communication, Empathy & Professionalism
00:20:38 — Lessons Learned & Actionable Tips
00:24:10 — Final Thoughts & Host Takeaways

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this episode should be considered legal, financial, or tax advice. Every investor’s situation is different, and you should always consult with a qualified professional before making decisions related to your short-term rental business.

In this episode of The Peak Season Podcast, hosts Luke and Tyler get real about one of the most stressful operational challenges in the short-term rental world: losing trusted members of the cleaning team. When two key cleaners suddenly step away, it could feel like a major setback — especially while expanding a property portfolio.

Instead of panicking, the guys break down how they turned this pain point into an opportunity to elevate their cleaning operations, improve quality control, and build a more resilient structure for future growth.

They dive into what it takes to cultivate strong relationships with team members, create transparency in expectations, and ensure trust is at the center of every partnership. From recruiting and onboarding to quality assurance and communication strategies, this conversation offers practical insights for hosts scaling responsibly — without burning out or compromising guest experience.

At its core, this episode is a guide to adapting, improving, and scaling your team in ways that support both today’s needs and tomorrow’s growth.

business growth, team management, short-term rentals, property management, cleaning crew, scalability, transparency, trust, relationships, cleaning operations

• ✔️ Lessons learned: “We make mistakes so you don’t have to.”
• 📉 Shrinking team + 📈 growing business = proactive problem-solving required
• 🤝 Strong relationships are the backbone of operational success
• 🔎 Transparency & clear expectations build trust and loyalty
• 📦 Scalability depends on flexibility — and the people behind the processes
• 🧽 Quality cleaning is non-negotiable in STR success
• 🏘️ Growth must align with what your team can realistically support
• 🌐 Leveraging local talent and resources strengthens long-term operations
• 🎯 Hiring should align with your business values and hospitality standards
• 🔁 Continuous refinement through communication and feedback

00:00 — Introduction: The Reality of Operational Growing Pains
05:42 — When Key Team Members Move On
12:18 — Rethinking the Cleaning Structure for Scale
20:30 — Trust, Accountability, and Relationship-Driven Management
29:55 — Building a Team That Supports Long-Term Growth

In this episode of The Peak Season Podcast, hosts Luke and Tyler explore the growing influence of technology in the short-term rental industry. With countless tools promising more bookings and smoother operations, the real challenge is identifying which solutions truly add value — and which create unnecessary complexity.

They break down the core tech categories every host should consider, including dynamic pricing, property management systems, AI-powered communication, and ranking tools. The focus: leveraging technology to elevate the guest experience while maintaining the personal touch that great hosting is built on.

short-term rental, STR tech stack, property management software, dynamic pricing, AI guest communication, direct bookings, RankBreeze

• ✅ The right tech stack can streamline operations and grow revenue.
• ⚠️ Too much tech can complicate your workflow and overwhelm guests.
• 🧩 Property management software serves as the foundation of efficient hosting.
• 📈 Dynamic pricing tools help maximize revenue year-round.
• 🤖 AI communication improves speed and consistency, but personality still matters.
• 👥 Human oversight ensures hospitality and avoids tech failures.
• 📧 Building your own email list drives direct bookings and repeat stays.
• 🚀 Tools like RankBreeze help boost Airbnb listing visibility.
• 💡 Tech should enhance hospitality — not replace it.

00:00 — Introduction: Why Tech Matters
04:12 — Property Management Software
12:30 — Dynamic Pricing Tools
18:55 — AI in Guest Communication
27:40 — Balancing Tech with Personal Hospitality
35:10 — Direct Bookings and Email Capture

🎧 Episode Summary

In this episode of The Peak Season Podcast, Tyler and Luke break down what guests really want — based on insights from over 500 stays across multiple markets. They dive deep into guest psychology, unpacking why reviews matter more than price, how “value for money” actually works, and what separates a good stay from a great one. From spotless spaces and seamless communication to local experiences and small surprises, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways to help hosts level up hospitality, boost reviews, and stand out in competitive markets.

💡 Takeaways

• Guests trust reviews more than pricing.
• Fast, friendly communication wins every time.
• “Value” is about quality and reliability, not being the cheapest.
• Cleanliness is the baseline, not a bonus.
• Local touches turn good stays into memorable ones.
• Predictability + small surprises = delighted guests.
• Proactive hosts prevent negative reviews before they start.
• Clear check-in instructions are non-negotiable.
• Strong Wi-Fi and transparency build trust.

🔑 Keywords
guest insights, reviews, communication, cleanliness, hospitality, short-term rentals, Airbnb tips, guest psychology, value for money, local experiences

In this episode of The Peak Season Podcast, Luke and Tyler dive into what it really takes to survive and thrive in rural short-term rental markets — drawing from their hands-on experience in Northern Michigan. From guest acquisition and seasonality to maintenance challenges and small-town dynamics, they explore the unique factors that shape life as a rural host.

You’ll hear proven strategies for building vendor relationships 🤝, mastering dynamic pricing 💸, and communicating proactively 💬 to create great guest experiences even when resources are limited. Luke and Tyler also highlight the hidden advantages of rural hosting — less competition, stronger community connections, and the chance to offer experiences that guests can’t find anywhere else.

rural markets, short-term rentals, Northern Michigan, guest acquisition, seasonality, connectivity, maintenance, community relations, vendor relationships, dynamic pricing, proactive communication, unique amenities, rural hospitality, small-market strategy

• Build strong local relationships. Reliable vendors and service providers are the foundation of every successful rural STR.
• Use dynamic pricing intentionally. Adjust rates to capture demand surges and fill gaps during slower periods.
• Communicate proactively. Set expectations early to prevent surprises and keep guests happy.
• Lean into your strengths. Showcase amenities like hot tubs, saunas, and fire pits — the details guests remember.
• Market locally and socially. Use social media, tourism boards, and community pages to attract the right audience.
• Plan for limited connectivity. Provide printed directions, offline maps, and clear expectations for Wi-Fi.
• Be a good neighbor. Transparency and respect build long-term community trust.
• Diversify income. Add upsells like early check-ins, firewood bundles, or local experiences.
• Prepare for seasonality. Save reserves during peak months to smooth out shoulder-season dips.
• See rural as opportunity. Less competition means more room for creativity and sustainable growth.

00:00 – Introduction and Overview
03:00 – Guest Acquisition and Marketing
09:00 – Connectivity and Access Challenges
15:00 – Maintenance and Vendor Relationships
21:00 – Seasonality and Cash-Flow Management
27:00 – Community Relations and Trust
33:00 – Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Description / Summary:
In this episode of The Peak Season Podcast, Luke and Tyler break down the mystery behind the Airbnb algorithm—and how hosts can use it to their advantage. From pricing strategy and calendar management to conversion rates and guest engagement, they reveal the levers that actually move your listing up in search results. You’ll learn why success on Airbnb isn’t random, how to keep your listing “fresh,” and what it really takes to maintain visibility in a competitive market.

Key Takeaways:

• Success on Airbnb is strategic—not luck.
• Airbnb’s algorithm rewards listings that convert well and engage guests.
• Fast response times dramatically improve ranking.
• Overpricing can push your listing out of visibility.
• Regular listing updates signal activity and help you stay relevant.
• Conversion rate is one of the strongest ranking signals.
• Great reviews and consistent Superhost performance boost credibility.
• Keep your calendar open for a full year to capture more searches.
• Engaged hosts create trust—and trust drives bookings.

Keywords:
Airbnb algorithm, visibility, pricing strategies, guest engagement, reviews, Superhost status, vacation rentals, booking success, listing optimization, host strategies